Cincinnati airport experts chime in please

[daisyx3]

We are flying out of Cincinnati instead of Detroit because it literally saved us $1000 for the two of us (Delta). Our original plan was to stay with my daughter who lives in Oakley the night before, then drive to airport (she doesn't have parking room for us to leave car there). However, they bumped our 7AM flight to 6:17 AM so we will need to get to the airport right when they open to make our flight on a Saturday morning. We have TSA precheck so not so much worried about security times, but we have been in Detroit before at open time and the line to check bags is ridiculous. I'd like to say we could get by with our carry on bags but I think for 5 nights we will need to check at least one bag. Will such a line still be the case in what is (I think) a smaller airport?
Also, we almost missed a flight in Detroit once because my husband couldn't find a parking spot--they were doing construction and had some of the parking garage blocked off. Would it be easier to book a park and fly hotel with a 24 hour shuttle? I'm sure my daughter and her boyfriend could visit us there instead.
Just nervous about parking in an airport we aren't familiar with and not much wiggle room for time due to the early hour.

 

[sam_gordon]

We are flying out of Cincinnati instead of Detroit because it literally saved us $1000 for the two of us (Delta). Our original plan was to stay with my daughter who lives in Oakley the night before, then drive to airport (she doesn't have parking room for us to leave car there). However, they bumped our 7AM flight to 6:17 AM so we will need to get to the airport right when they open to make our flight on a Saturday morning. We have TSA precheck so not so much worried about security times, but we have been in Detroit before at open time and the line to check bags is ridiculous. I'd like to say we could get by with our carry on bags but I think for 5 nights we will need to check at least one bag. Will such a line still be the case in what is (I think) a smaller airport?
Also, we almost missed a flight in Detroit once because my husband couldn't find a parking spot--they were doing construction and had some of the parking garage blocked off. Would it be easier to book a park and fly hotel with a 24 hour shuttle? I'm sure my daughter and her boyfriend could visit us there instead.
Just nervous about parking in an airport we aren't familiar with and not much wiggle room for time due to the early hour.

I have never had a problem finding parking at CVG. You can use the garage or ValuPark both on the grounds of CVG. Obviously the garage will be a little more expensive. There is also an onsite hotel (DoubleTree) that is almost walking distance to the terminal, but also has a free shuttle. I'm pretty sure (I suggest calling to confirm) that you can leave your car in the hotel lot for your trip.

Cincinnati is about the same size as Detroit IMO.

 

[LadyBeBop]

FWIW, Oakley is about 20-25 minutes to the airport (I'd allow a little extra time). Saturday morning traffic should be almost non-existent.

Like Sam, I've never had any problems parking at CVG. We always park at one of the lots outside the airport. There are several within a mile of the airport. Do a Google search for a coupon.

There are several park and fly hotels in Florence, within a few miles of the airport.

Have fun. I love that CVG is now much cheaper than other airports. It used to be one of the most expensive airports in the country. I live about 20 minutes from CVG.

 

[littlejessmarie]

We flew out of CVG about 2 weeks ago, and the lines at the Delta counter were no existent. Also as of few weeks ago you were able to park right at the garage at the airport for $10 a day. The cvg website will let you know how many spots available too. We opted to stay at a hotel near the airport for 140 after tax and they let us park our car there for the week and had 24 hour shuttle service.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I would do the park and fly hotel. Then in the morning you will not have to worry about driving over and parking the car. It is much nicer not having to start your vacation off by stressing about getting to the airport and parking. Not to mention the shuttle from the hotel will drop you and your luggage closer to the door of the airport so no need to lug everything through the parking garage. Plus the drive from your daughters house to the airport is a 25 - 30 minute ride. Then you have to park the car, get the stuff out of the trunk and make your way into the airport. I would do the hotel option and save yourself the time and stress in the morning. The door to door service is worth it to stay at the hotel the night before.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I would do the park and fly hotel. Then in the morning you will not have to worry about driving over and parking the car. It is much nicer not having to start your vacation off by stressing about getting to the airport and parking. Not to mention the shuttle from the hotel will drop you and your luggage closer to the door of the airport so no need to lug everything through the parking garage. The door to door service is worth it.